Iberia Won; A poem descriptive of the Peninsular War / With impressions from recent visits to the battle-grounds, and copious historical and illustrative notes

by T. M. Hughes

XXVIII.

And Nial coped with yet a hardier chief,

Whose practised valour and whose sinewy arm

Gave little hope, I ween, of victory brief,

Yet joy inspired to Nial, not alarm.

Terrific was their sword play, like the charm

Of deadly basilisk to lure the eye;

And many a pass was parried without harm,

And many a sweep and many a thrust put by,